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2008 Nissan Versa Safety Review

July 6, 2008

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Good," frontal offset test; "good," side impact test
IIHS

Four stars, frontal impact test; four stars, side impact test and rollover resistance
NHTSA

Antilock brakes are optional, but an electronic stability system is not [offered at all]
Cars.com

The 2008 Nissan Versa scores surprisingly well in both National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests.

The government's testing agency, the NHTSA, subjected the 2008 Nissan Versa to its full battery of tests and, in the end, awarded four out of a possible five stars to the Versa in every category. Those categories included front impact protection and side impact protection, for both the passenger and driver sides. The IIHS, meanwhile, rates the Nissan Versa even higher, bestowing its highest rating of "good" in both frontal offset and side impact tests. The ratings from these agencies apply to both the sedan and hatchback versions of Nissan's 2008 Versa.

While the crash-test ratings are commendable on the Nissan Versa, some of Nissan's decisions regarding safety features are questioned by reviewers. Edmunds writes that "the 2008 Nissan Versa comes standard with front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a tire-pressure monitor," but it's the conspicuously absent standard features that draw criticism. Cars.com writes that "antilock brakes are optional, but an electronic stability system is not" offered at all on the Nissan's 2008 Versa. Both of these are disappointing, with Mother Proof chiming in that, as far as ABS is concerned, "for the $250 it costs to add it, couldn't Nissan have just made it standard?" In terms of the absent stability system, Cars.com says that since "the government will require it be standard in all models by 2009," they would "like to see automakers add it to even their most affordable models now."

One characteristic that aids safety in the 2008 Nissan Versa is driver visibility, which ConsumerGuide writes is "good in all directions." Mother Proof adds that perhaps their "favorite feature on the Versa was the small triangular windows up front where the front doors and windshield intersect," as they "help visibility a lot."

Conclusion

The lack of stability control and the fact that ABS is an option temper the wholly positive crash-test ratings on the 2008 Nissan Versa.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Good," frontal offset test; "good," side impact testIIHSFour stars, frontal impact test; four stars, side impact test and rollover resistanceNHTSAAntilock brakes are optional, but an electronic stability system is not [offered at all]Cars.com The 2008 Nissan Versa scores surprisingly well in both National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests. The government's testing agency, the NHTSA, subjected the 2008 Nissan Versa to its full battery of tests and, in the end, awarded four out of a possible five stars to the Versa in every category. Those categories included front impact protection and side impact protection, for both the passenger and driver sides. The IIHS, meanwhile, rates the Nissan Versa even higher, bestowing its highest rating of "good" in both frontal offset and side impact tests. The ratings from these agencies apply to both the sedan and hatchback versions of Nissan's 2008 Versa. While the crash-test ratings are commendable on the Nissan Versa, some of Nissan's decisions regarding safety features are questioned by reviewers. Edmunds writes that "the 2008 Nissan Versa comes standard with front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a tire-pressure monitor," but it's the conspicuously absent standard features that draw criticism. Cars.com writes that "antilock brakes are optional, but an electronic stability system is not" offered at all on the Nissan's 2008 Versa. Both of these are disappointing, with Mother Proof chiming in that, as far as ABS is concerned, "for the $250 it costs to add it, couldn't Nissan have just made it standard?" In terms of the absent stability system, Cars.com says that since "the government will require it be standard in all models by 2009," they would "like to see automakers add it to even their most affordable models now." One characteristic that aids safety in the 2008 Nissan Versa is driver visibility, which ConsumerGuide writes is "good in all directions." Mother Proof adds that perhaps their "favorite feature on the Versa was the small triangular windows up front where the front doors and windshield intersect," as they "help visibility a lot." ConclusionThe lack of stability control and the fact that ABS is an option temper the wholly positive crash-test ratings on the 2008 Nissan Versa.  2008 NISSAN VERSA STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: "I don't know many people who would call the Versa sedan a looker" Car and Driver: "Hardly a recipe to whet the collective American appetite" ConsumerGuide: "Controls are logically placed and, for the most part, clearly marked" The ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Nissan Versa appeals to buyers who are looking for lower fuel bills and car payments, without giving up the comfort and features of a larger car. But at its best, at 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway with the CVT automatic, the Versa's fuel economy isn't as good as other vehicles in its price and size range. For instance, the Yaris rates up to 29 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, but like most of these vehicles, the Yaris doesn't feel as roomy inside or have as smooth a ride. The other best-riding alternative is the Chevrolet Aveo, but the Aveo has especially unimpressive fuel economy and safety. Kia's Rio and Rio5 hatchback feel sportier than the rest of the crowd, as does the xD. But the best vehicle in this class is the Honda Fit, which admittedly costs a bit more and is only available as a hatchback. However, it feels sporty, handles well, promises good safety, and has a standout, minivan-like Magic Seat arrangement that allows an especially low, flat cargo floor.

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See the Nissan Versa in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Ex Versa Owner #1, Posted: 7/23/2008

    4 dr manual sedan a let-down

    I bought my brand new 08 versa, 6-spd, 4 dr sedan at the end of April. 3 months and over 6,000 miles later, I still didn't see the "great gas milage" that was promised once "the engine gets broken in a bit." 90% of my driving is highway, and driving in 6th gear resulted in a lot of engine noise (my number one grievance, ahead of even the low mpg's)and the strain you'd normally feel in a 5-speed when you try to go 65 in 4th gear. While these issues did not lead me to trade in my car (a late night encounter with a deer on the highway effectively put an end to my relationship with the versa, as it was totalled due to the blow to the computer) I do not plan to buy another one!

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